Issue 25: September 2016 The Mercian Family Newsletter2
The Heart of England’s Infantry
REGIMENTAL NEWS
NINE YEARS SINCE THE MERCIAN REGIMENT WAS FORMED – The 1st September 2016 marked nine years since the
formation of The Mercian Regiment at Tamworth Castle, in the presence of the Colonel in Chief, His Royal Highness, The
Prince of Wales. Soldiers and officers from across the regiment held various events to celebrate the occasion, with over 300
troops from 1 MERCIAN parading in Bulford.
Thank you to the wider regimental family for your continued support!
MERCIAN OFFICER AWARDED FOR EXCELLENCE AT
SANDHURST – Congratulations to Officer Cadet Sam Camp who was
awarded The Queen’s Medal when he passed out from Sandhurst
recently.
The medal is awarded to the Officer Cadet who has achieved the best
overall results in military, academic and practical studies. Sam will now
commission into the regiment.
BATTALIONS CELEBRATE ALMA DAY - Soldiers from the 1st and
2nd Battalions commemorated the 152nd anniversary of the Battle of
Alma on 20th September, one of the regiments main battle honours.
This honour was recognised with a parade by troops at both Picton
Barracks in Bulford and Dale Barracks in Chester.
Due to heavy casualties during the conflict for the 95th (Derbyshire) Regiment of Foot, the Regimental Colour was carried by
Private Keenan throughout the remainder of the battle.
In commemoration, the Regimental Colour is entrusted to a private soldier to troop through the ranks of the battalion each year. This ye ar the honour was bestowed upon Private Jones from 1 MERCIAN and Private McAllister from 2 MERCIAN.
1 MERCIAN NEWS
TUG OF WAR TEAM COMPETE AT BRAEMAR GAMES – It’s been a busy month for the 1 MERCIAN tug of war team, who competed in the Braemar Highland Games. The team was the only infantry unit to qualify, where they reached the plate competition before being sadly knocked out.
They also spent time at Goodwood, competing against 16 Regiment Royal Artillery by pulling Jaguar Land Rovers in a race.
Both teams were fundraising for Mission Motorsport, a charity that supports veterans and injured soldiers. 1 MERCIAN emerged winners in a best of three match.
PRIME MINSTER VISITS PICTON BARRACKS – 1 MERCIAN had the honour of hosting Prime Minister Theresa May in
September, as she visited Bulford to speak with members of the battalion. Meeting serving soldiers and families, this was the
Prime Minister's first official military engagement since taking office.
The head of the British Army, General Sir Nick Carter and Defence Secretary Michael Fallon also visited, viewing the units
Warrior Armoured Fighting Vehicles ahead of use in a British Army firepower demo during October.
2 MERCIAN NEWS
RECONNAISSANCE PLATOON COMPLETE 130KM
ULTRAMARATHON – An incredible effort by the 2
MERCIAN reconnaissance platoon, who finished a
130km marathon through Spain in under 24 hours last month.
Competing against 19 other teams from around the world, the troops were also given various tasks to complete during the marathon, including an assault course, river crossing and shooting competition.
INTER COMPANY BOXING NIGHT – Boxers from across the 2nd Battalion fought in an inter-company competition throughout September. Congratulations to B Company
who eventually emerged victorious!
4 MERCIAN NEWS
SOLDIER AWARDED FOR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE – Private White from HQ Company, 4 MERCIAN has become the first graduate of the University of Wolverhampton’s Armed Forces Degree to receive the Lieutenant General “Bashall Trophy” for academic excellence. Well done!
TROOPS PREPARE FOR ANNUAL CAMP - Soldiers from 4 MERCIAN and 1 MERCIAN have been working together on
Exercise URBAN EAGLE; training that developed their skills for fighting in urban areas. Troops practiced building clearance, sewer fighting and methods of entry, supported by Warrior Armoured Fighting Vehicles.
RESERVISTS DEPLOY ON OPERATION TOSCA - Reservists from 4 MERCIAN completed final preparations and deployed to Cyprus in September on a six-month tour.
Operation TOSCA will see over 250 soldiers deploy as part of a United Nations Peacekeeping Force to the country. The soldiers will support troops from The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment.
CADET NEWS
STAFFORDSHIRE CADETS COMPETE IN MILITARY SKILLS COMPETITION - Cadets from both the ACF (Army Cadet
Force) and CCF (Combined Cadet Force) competed in the 11 Signal & West Midlands Brigade Military Skills Competition at
Swynnerton Training Camp in September.
A number of different stands tested their knowledge and skills, including first aid, navigation, firing on the ranges, observation
and finishing with a march and shoot that pushed the cadets to their limits. This year's overall winner was Staffordshire &
West Midlands (NS) ACF, C Company. Well done!
LOCAL CADETS BIKE TO SUCCESS - Congratulations to cadets from Derbyshire who completed a marathon exercise bike
journey of 1650 miles earlier this month; the distance from Buxton to Gibraltar. Cycling through the night to keep the mileage
up, the target was reached after a gruelling 23 hours and raised money for a cadet trip to the island later this month.
YOUTH ON THE MARCH – Cadets from Derbyshire ACF proudly paraded through the streets of Derby on Sunday 25th
September, marking 157 years since the formation of the Army Cadets. Beginning in the marketplace, they stopped for a service of thanksgiving at the Cathedral, prior to returning through the streets.
WANTED – OFFICERS MESS DRESS - The following individuals are looking to purchase a mess dress. If you have one for sale, please contact the individual via the below details:
Lt John Oliver. Mount St Mary’s CCF / Height 6’4” / Chest 48-50 / Waist 40/42 / Leg 32/34 / Collar 18 /
Contact: [email protected] or 077969182894.
Lt Simon Protano. Staffordshire & West Mids ACF / Height 5’7” / Chest 40 / Waist 34 / Leg 29 / Collar 15 ½ /
Hat 59 peak / Contact [email protected] or 07801363658.
BAND OF THE MERCIAN REGIMENT NEWS
BAND SUPPORT ARMED FORCES MATCH – In a busy month for The Band of the Mercian Regiment, it first paraded
through Chester alongside troops from 2 MERCIAN for a Battle of Jutland and Somme commemorative march. Following this, the band was part of the support for the armed forces match at Shrewsbury Football Club.
OTHER NEWS
WORCESTERSHIRE VETERAN AWARDED FRANCE’S HIGHEST HONOUR – Benedict Richard Harvey was awarded the
National Order of the Legion of Honour at the National Memorial Arboretum in September; France’s highest decoration.
It was awarded in recognition of his service to France during the
Second World War, when he was serving with 1st Battalion, The
Worcestershire Regiment. In June 1944, he was part of the D-Day
landings. He served as a sniper, taking part in the infamous Market
Garden campaign.
After delivering a wounded officer to hospital, Benedict was wounded
himself in an explosion. He was treated in hospital in Belgium for his
wounds and still carries the shrapnel in his leg to this day.
WORCESTERSHIRE VICTORIA CROSS WINNER
HONOURED - Just over 100 years ago, Worcestershire Regiment soldier William Leefe Robinson became the
first person to shoot down a German airship over the UK,
helping to aid British war efforts during The Great War.
For this he was awarded the Victoria Cross, and in his
hometown of Harrow during September, a
commemorative service was held.
MERCIAN VOLUNTEERS COMMEMORATE BATTLE
OF THE SOMME - The Mercian Volunteers Regimental Association held a commemorative service at the
'Mercian Grove,’ National Memorial Arboretum in
September.
The service commemorated all the territorial members of
MERCIAN antecedent regiments who fought and fell at
the Battle of the Somme. Regimental Mascot, Private
Derby XXXI led the parade.
BENEVOLENCE / CHARITY UPDATE
SOLDIERS BEGIN FUNDRAISER FOR MERCIAN CHARITY – Troops from A (Grenadier) Company, 1 MERCIAN are currently deployed in the South Atlantic on the Falkland Islands, some 8000 miles from their home in Bulford, Wiltshire.
As part of their fundraising drive for The Mercian Benevolent Charity, each soldier will be running, cycling, swimming and rowing 60 miles over the course of their deployment, covering the complete distance from the Falklands to Picton Barracks.
For further information or to donate, click here.
MERCIANS RAISING MONEY FOR COMBAT
STRESS - Four soldiers from The Mercian Regiment are taking on a challenge of mammoth proportions to raise money for troops suffering from Post-traumatic
stress disorder (PTSD.)
Beginning on the 28th October, Captain Viveash, WO2 Giles, WO2 Hollingworth and WO2
Catherwood will run 22 miles every day for 22 days, additionwith the of 22 press ups for each mile ran. In total they will each cover 484 miles and perform 10648 push-ups! For further information or to donate, click here.
VETERAN RAISES MONEY FOR POPPY APPEAL – Retired
Sherwood Forester John Green (pictured right) completed the Nijmegen Marches in July, helping to raise over £4000 for the Royal
British Legion Poppy Appeal.
Celebrating his 81st birthday during the march, John walked 50 kilometres per day over a four-day period. A fantastic effort!
CHARITY SAILING DAY - Earlier in the year, The Worshipful
Company of Bowyers very kindly hosted a charity dinner for the regiment, including an auction. One lot was a day’s sailing with
Colonel Andy Hadfield, which was successfully bid for by Nigel
Heilpern, a Bowyer and a sailor. In early September the auction winner spent a day on the Solent enjoying the fruits of their bid with
Colonel Hadfield.
PEDAL TO PARIS RAISES MONEY FOR THE RBL - Colonel David
Sneath MBE DL TD has raised over £1500 for the Royal British Legion after cycling the 283 miles from London to Paris in four days. For
further information or to donate, click here.
VETERANS FUNDRAISE FOR BENEVOLENT FUND – Thanks to members of the WFRA, Worksop Branch who have donated £50 to The Mercian Benevolent Fund.
OBITUARIES
It is with regret we inform you that the below have passed away. Our condolences are with their families and friends at this difficult time. Full obituaries will be in The 2016 Mercian Eagle:
Mr John Stephenson, ex REME and a member of the Newark Branch died suddenly in August 2016. John was an ardent
supporter of The Mercian Regiment, and was instrumental in the collection of one of the largest collection of parcels when the battalions were serving in Afghanistan.
430381 Major James Michael Frederick Martin of Sindlesham, Berkshire died on 12 September 2016 aged 84. Mike was commissioned into The Sherwood Foresters in 1953 and served at the Depot, Derby. After completing his platoon commanders course, he was posted to the 2nd Battalion in October 1953. During the next 34 years, Mike served in Malaya,
Singapore, Zambia and Northern Ireland amongst other places, before retiring in 1987.
19036429 Private Bernard Lewis Smith of Nottingham died on 21 September 2016 aged 87. Bernard was called up as a
National Serviceman in November 1946, and after training was posted to the Sherwood Foresters in February 1947. In 1950 he was posted as a reinforcement to serve in Korea.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Wednesday 21 December 16 – Ferozeshah Day